Play Therapy in Delaware
Dominique Hollis
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW
Verified Verified
Wilmington, DE 19808
I focus on addressing the whole person using various methods such as talk therapy, meditation, yoga, play therapy, etc.
Searching for adequate and appropriate mental health support can be challenging. I am glad your search brought you here. I am passionate about helping clients tap into their inner strengths and experience more fulfillment in their lives. With every client, I foster a safe and supportive environment to assist them in navigating grief, trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, adjustment issues, ADHD, and I/DD. I have experience working with a range of populations from adolescence to late adulthood.If you are looking for support at a discounted rate or yoga/meditation classes please review the groups listed at the bottom.
I focus on addressing the whole person using various methods such as talk therapy, meditation, yoga, play therapy, etc.
Searching for adequate and appropriate mental health support can be challenging. I am glad your search brought you here. I am passionate about helping clients tap into their inner strengths and experience more fulfillment in their lives. With every client, I foster a safe and supportive environment to assist them in navigating grief, trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, adjustment issues, ADHD, and I/DD. I have experience working with a range of populations from adolescence to late adulthood.If you are looking for support at a discounted rate or yoga/meditation classes please review the groups listed at the bottom.
Dr. Nickisha Lingham
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LMSW, CAADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Newark, DE 19702 (Online Only)
Lingham specializes in trauma, family, couples , person -centered, play and group therapies as well as life coaching.
Dr. Nickisha Lingham was born and raised in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. She began working in the human services field in 1995 at a residential treatment facility for individuals with visual impairments. She later worked at various residential, outpatient and department of correction facilities to provide mental health services for individuals ranging from 4y/o to over 80 y/o, as she continued to further her education. Dr. Lingham and her family relocated to Delaware in 2013. She graduated from Wilmington University with a Doctorate degree in Social Science, majoring in Prevention Science.
Lingham specializes in trauma, family, couples , person -centered, play and group therapies as well as life coaching.
Dr. Nickisha Lingham was born and raised in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. She began working in the human services field in 1995 at a residential treatment facility for individuals with visual impairments. She later worked at various residential, outpatient and department of correction facilities to provide mental health services for individuals ranging from 4y/o to over 80 y/o, as she continued to further her education. Dr. Lingham and her family relocated to Delaware in 2013. She graduated from Wilmington University with a Doctorate degree in Social Science, majoring in Prevention Science.
Dianna H Conner-Jeffers
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Millsboro, DE 19966
I often use sand tray and play therapy with my kid clients, and some adults, and work to address any client concerns.
Therapy can be an excellent tool to help calm the chaos, and take stock of what is truly important in our lives, and allow ourselves the time to focus on changing our mindset, relational patterns, or life trajectory. It is my desire to help those who are hurting to make significant changes for themselves to better their mood, self-esteem and their relationships with others, both adults and children. Oftentimes life can become too overwhelming and stressful, and we may need some time and assistance to assess our situation, and find new ways to calm and cope.
I often use sand tray and play therapy with my kid clients, and some adults, and work to address any client concerns.
Therapy can be an excellent tool to help calm the chaos, and take stock of what is truly important in our lives, and allow ourselves the time to focus on changing our mindset, relational patterns, or life trajectory. It is my desire to help those who are hurting to make significant changes for themselves to better their mood, self-esteem and their relationships with others, both adults and children. Oftentimes life can become too overwhelming and stressful, and we may need some time and assistance to assess our situation, and find new ways to calm and cope.
Michelle Kery
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCMH, NBCC
Verified Verified
Wilmington, DE 19810 (Online Only)
Michelle Kery, LPCMH specializes in the treatment of individuals; adolescents to adults, who are seeking a dedicated therapist to aid in consistent and self directed change. My focus is creating an environment to facilitate understanding, awareness, motivation, and progress. I utilize a unique combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques, play therapy, art therapy, and solution focused treatment created to meet your needs. I look forward to working with you- give virtual sessions a try. Sessions are VIRTUAL only. New Clients are accepted at this time.
Michelle Kery, LPCMH specializes in the treatment of individuals; adolescents to adults, who are seeking a dedicated therapist to aid in consistent and self directed change. My focus is creating an environment to facilitate understanding, awareness, motivation, and progress. I utilize a unique combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques, play therapy, art therapy, and solution focused treatment created to meet your needs. I look forward to working with you- give virtual sessions a try. Sessions are VIRTUAL only. New Clients are accepted at this time.
Marjorie Velez
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCMH
Verified Verified
Middletown, DE 19709
Utilizing the healing power of play, children will have a safe place to learn about themselves, their feelings, their thoughts, and find new and healthy ways of coping to life's problems.
Are you struggling to parent and support your child? Is your child having emotional and behavioral issues? Maybe you are the parent of an adopted child and are struggling in your relationship with them, even having feelings of anger, sadness, and regret. May be you or your family have been through a difficult event and everyone is struggling to get through. Therapy can help! Child/Adolescent, family, parenting, and individual therapy are offered as possible therapy options and are tailored to your child and family's needs.
Utilizing the healing power of play, children will have a safe place to learn about themselves, their feelings, their thoughts, and find new and healthy ways of coping to life's problems.
Are you struggling to parent and support your child? Is your child having emotional and behavioral issues? Maybe you are the parent of an adopted child and are struggling in your relationship with them, even having feelings of anger, sadness, and regret. May be you or your family have been through a difficult event and everyone is struggling to get through. Therapy can help! Child/Adolescent, family, parenting, and individual therapy are offered as possible therapy options and are tailored to your child and family's needs.
Letty Ye
Counselor, LACMH, MSEd, MPhiEd
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Newark, DE 19711
I also have a great deal of experience working with kids with emotional management, trauma, setting boundaries, and body safety using play and art therapies.
Hi there, and welcome! I'm really proud of you for taking the big first step in seeking help. You are not alone in your struggle. I am a therapist having a multicultural background; I grew up in Shanghai and have spent considerable time in Japan. I moved to the U.S. after high school and completed my undergraduate degree in California and my graduate training at the University of Pennsylvania. I possess firsthand experience as an immigrant and an astute cultural awareness that helps me to serve clients from many diverse backgrounds dealing with different life transitions. It's important to me that you feel seen and heard.
I also have a great deal of experience working with kids with emotional management, trauma, setting boundaries, and body safety using play and art therapies.
Hi there, and welcome! I'm really proud of you for taking the big first step in seeking help. You are not alone in your struggle. I am a therapist having a multicultural background; I grew up in Shanghai and have spent considerable time in Japan. I moved to the U.S. after high school and completed my undergraduate degree in California and my graduate training at the University of Pennsylvania. I possess firsthand experience as an immigrant and an astute cultural awareness that helps me to serve clients from many diverse backgrounds dealing with different life transitions. It's important to me that you feel seen and heard.
Charles L Solomon
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, MBA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Wilmington, DE 19801 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My approaches include: Cognitive Behavior Therapy Psychodynamic Therapy Behavior Modification Rational Emotive Therapy Solution Focused Therapy Yalom's Therapeutic Factors (Group) Relaxation Therapy Psycho-Pharmaceutical Education Forgiveness Empowerment Principles Play Therapy.
Throughout a lifetime, we are reminded of our own mortality by a continuous journey fraught with hurdles and complications that cause not only physical, but emotional pain as well. Often, along with that journey, we discover the desired destination is full of stressors that inhibit our strive, accomplishments, and ultimately, our very joy and sense of fulfillment.
My approaches include: Cognitive Behavior Therapy Psychodynamic Therapy Behavior Modification Rational Emotive Therapy Solution Focused Therapy Yalom's Therapeutic Factors (Group) Relaxation Therapy Psycho-Pharmaceutical Education Forgiveness Empowerment Principles Play Therapy.
Throughout a lifetime, we are reminded of our own mortality by a continuous journey fraught with hurdles and complications that cause not only physical, but emotional pain as well. Often, along with that journey, we discover the desired destination is full of stressors that inhibit our strive, accomplishments, and ultimately, our very joy and sense of fulfillment.
Asmaa Abdullah
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dover, DE 19901
I am passionate about working with individuals who hail from all walks of life. As a person who belongs to multiple cultural groups and has been exposed to multiple others, I value learning about my clients’ backgrounds and cultures and believe they play an integral part in their therapeutic journeys. Let’s embark on this journey together and figure out the best way to get you the help you need, in the way you need it.
I am passionate about working with individuals who hail from all walks of life. As a person who belongs to multiple cultural groups and has been exposed to multiple others, I value learning about my clients’ backgrounds and cultures and believe they play an integral part in their therapeutic journeys. Let’s embark on this journey together and figure out the best way to get you the help you need, in the way you need it.
Vinnie L Fabber
Counselor, LMHPC, NBCC, RPT, PhD
Verified Verified
Georgetown, DE 19947
My 20+ years of experience as a Registered Play Therapist, a Licensed Clinician and my time as a therapist for Survivors of Abuse in Recovery (SOAR) I understand that counseling is different for each individual.
I believe everyone has the capacity to grow and change as well as heal. I also believe the counseling relationship should be a good fit. I provide psychological services to adults, adolescents and children. As a Registered Play Therapist I allow the child to express feelings in a safe playful environment. I offer individual and group process for adolescent struggling with life challenges. If stress, anxiety, depression and anger is affecting your relationships, work, mental/physical health and your daily life seems overwhelming, I provide a supportive, positive counseling relationship that is collaborative and helpful.
My 20+ years of experience as a Registered Play Therapist, a Licensed Clinician and my time as a therapist for Survivors of Abuse in Recovery (SOAR) I understand that counseling is different for each individual.
I believe everyone has the capacity to grow and change as well as heal. I also believe the counseling relationship should be a good fit. I provide psychological services to adults, adolescents and children. As a Registered Play Therapist I allow the child to express feelings in a safe playful environment. I offer individual and group process for adolescent struggling with life challenges. If stress, anxiety, depression and anger is affecting your relationships, work, mental/physical health and your daily life seems overwhelming, I provide a supportive, positive counseling relationship that is collaborative and helpful.
Michele Tassoni Shane
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
Claymont, DE 19703
Human connection is important to me, and I believe that strengthening our support system often begins with our families, those we are born with and those we choose. I work with adolescents as well as adults, and through a person-centered approach, I strive to help empower clients to tap into their full potential. My clinical experience is with young people who have experienced trauma, and those with developmental challenges. Through my work as a grief counselor for children, I have a strong background in play therapy techniques. I also offer couples counseling, where I use the Gottman method to strengthen the relationship.
Human connection is important to me, and I believe that strengthening our support system often begins with our families, those we are born with and those we choose. I work with adolescents as well as adults, and through a person-centered approach, I strive to help empower clients to tap into their full potential. My clinical experience is with young people who have experienced trauma, and those with developmental challenges. Through my work as a grief counselor for children, I have a strong background in play therapy techniques. I also offer couples counseling, where I use the Gottman method to strengthen the relationship.
Carol Bouzoukis
PhD, RDT, MFA
Verified Verified
Greenville, DE 19807
I am a Child Psychotherapist specializing in drama and play therapy with 26 years of clinical experience.
UPDATE: Due to COVID-19 all sessions are now being done via Doxy.me/drbouzoukis. As a Child Psychotherapist, I specialize in the treatment of children ages 3 -14. If your child is exhibiting behaviors that are of concern to you as a parent, play therapy may be highly beneficial. If your child is showing signs of anger, anxiety or a change in behavior, play therapy can make a difference. I treat a wide range of issues in a child friendly and non-invasive yet effective manner. I have successfully treated children with ADHD, anxiety, Asperger's, Bi-polar,Tourette's, PDD, Trauma, Adjustment Disorder, Sensory Integration.
I am a Child Psychotherapist specializing in drama and play therapy with 26 years of clinical experience.
UPDATE: Due to COVID-19 all sessions are now being done via Doxy.me/drbouzoukis. As a Child Psychotherapist, I specialize in the treatment of children ages 3 -14. If your child is exhibiting behaviors that are of concern to you as a parent, play therapy may be highly beneficial. If your child is showing signs of anger, anxiety or a change in behavior, play therapy can make a difference. I treat a wide range of issues in a child friendly and non-invasive yet effective manner. I have successfully treated children with ADHD, anxiety, Asperger's, Bi-polar,Tourette's, PDD, Trauma, Adjustment Disorder, Sensory Integration.
15 Second Videos
Dianna H Conner-Jeffers
Asmaa Abdullah
Carol Bouzoukis
Margo Lewis-Jah
Kathryn Ellis
Rebecca Comfort Levin-Greenblatt
The Center for Grief and Trauma Therapy
Jenna Elizabeth Montalbano
Anita L Bryant White
Charter Behavior Management
Chris Wilson
Olga Yatzus
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCMH, NCSP, RPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wilmington, DE 19808
As a professional counselor with a specialty in play therapy, my therapeutic approach in working with children, teens, adults, and families includes a holistic and contextual family approach addressing family stressors, interpersonal conflicts, attachment issues, and parent/child conflicts. I treat children from age 2 1/2+ utilizing play therapy techniques to explore personal and interpersonal stressors. Parents are included in treatment to support them in addressing family therapy issues, attachments issues, trauma (PTSD), and parenting skills. Adult therapy is available for any adult seeking personal growth.
As a professional counselor with a specialty in play therapy, my therapeutic approach in working with children, teens, adults, and families includes a holistic and contextual family approach addressing family stressors, interpersonal conflicts, attachment issues, and parent/child conflicts. I treat children from age 2 1/2+ utilizing play therapy techniques to explore personal and interpersonal stressors. Parents are included in treatment to support them in addressing family therapy issues, attachments issues, trauma (PTSD), and parenting skills. Adult therapy is available for any adult seeking personal growth.
Jocelyn E Brown
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdD, LPCMH, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Middletown, DE 19709
Waitlist for new clients
I incorporate principles of mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy and EMDR, as well as play therapy and self-regulation to help clients manage anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, grief and loss, and patterns of negative thinking.
Healing and resiliency reside in each of us. When we develop the skills to tap into our existing strengths, we are able to live life fully. As a therapist, I strive to create a warm, non-judgmental environment that fosters a sense of safety and trust. In this healing environment, you will have the opportunity to gain greater self understanding, self-acceptance and self-compassion. I believe that the relationship we will develop is one the most important dynamics of counseling, and will set the stage for a rewarding process of transformation and growth.
I incorporate principles of mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy and EMDR, as well as play therapy and self-regulation to help clients manage anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, grief and loss, and patterns of negative thinking.
Healing and resiliency reside in each of us. When we develop the skills to tap into our existing strengths, we are able to live life fully. As a therapist, I strive to create a warm, non-judgmental environment that fosters a sense of safety and trust. In this healing environment, you will have the opportunity to gain greater self understanding, self-acceptance and self-compassion. I believe that the relationship we will develop is one the most important dynamics of counseling, and will set the stage for a rewarding process of transformation and growth.
JOANNE Plescia
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Milford, DE 19963
I works with parents to assure their children with special needs obtain the most appropriate education to address their unique needs. I have worked with attorneys, court systems, and public education agencies across the country to provide proper assessment and program development for students with a variety of needs. Sometimes, this means an Individual Education Plan needs to be developed. Other times, parents just need the assistance of a strong advocate to workout a meaningful solution when school officials and parents disagree. Still sometimes the solution is best handled in family, play, or individual therapy.
I works with parents to assure their children with special needs obtain the most appropriate education to address their unique needs. I have worked with attorneys, court systems, and public education agencies across the country to provide proper assessment and program development for students with a variety of needs. Sometimes, this means an Individual Education Plan needs to be developed. Other times, parents just need the assistance of a strong advocate to workout a meaningful solution when school officials and parents disagree. Still sometimes the solution is best handled in family, play, or individual therapy.
Stephen Moores LPC-MH
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-MH, LLC, NBCC, CCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wilmington, DE 19803 (Online Only)
I currently am providing telehealth services via Zoom using play, art, and humor to fully engage children, adolescents.
As a biology major and a candidate for a Ph.D. in neuroscience I became interested in helping people with emotional, cognitive, or behavioral problems. In 1974 I studied at the Institute for Rational Emotive Therapy in New York City and was trained by Dr. Albert Ellis, PhD. I love working with children, adolescents, and adults using cognitive behavioral therapy to help people live more satisfying lives. I had also started the first partial hospital program in Delaware and worked ten years running an inpatient program. I work in a private practice and work closely with schools agencies and employers to ensure continuity of care.
I currently am providing telehealth services via Zoom using play, art, and humor to fully engage children, adolescents.
As a biology major and a candidate for a Ph.D. in neuroscience I became interested in helping people with emotional, cognitive, or behavioral problems. In 1974 I studied at the Institute for Rational Emotive Therapy in New York City and was trained by Dr. Albert Ellis, PhD. I love working with children, adolescents, and adults using cognitive behavioral therapy to help people live more satisfying lives. I had also started the first partial hospital program in Delaware and worked ten years running an inpatient program. I work in a private practice and work closely with schools agencies and employers to ensure continuity of care.
Sean Burns
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Wilmington, DE 19803
Trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Strengths-Based and Person-Centered approaches.
Be proud of your decision to find the right therapist for you! I work with clients from child to adult experiencing a variety of concerns including anxiety, trauma, anger, and depression. I have spent the past 5 years working as a School-Based Therapist. I compassionately and sensitively work to understand the concerns that you have in a safe and non-judgmental environment. We will work to develop and enhance your strength and resiliency, to cope and find success in life.
Trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Strengths-Based and Person-Centered approaches.
Be proud of your decision to find the right therapist for you! I work with clients from child to adult experiencing a variety of concerns including anxiety, trauma, anger, and depression. I have spent the past 5 years working as a School-Based Therapist. I compassionately and sensitively work to understand the concerns that you have in a safe and non-judgmental environment. We will work to develop and enhance your strength and resiliency, to cope and find success in life.
Caetlyn Carroll
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Hockessin, DE 19707
Thank you for taking the first steps in working towards emotional healing. I have experiencing collaborating with individuals, couples, and families from diverse backgrounds with a wide range of needs. My approach is Client-Centered and I include aspects of Cognitive Behavioral as well as Solution-Focused therapies into my work. When working with children, I incorporate play therapy, include sandplay, into my sessions in order to engage clients and create a comfortable environment for therapy.
Thank you for taking the first steps in working towards emotional healing. I have experiencing collaborating with individuals, couples, and families from diverse backgrounds with a wide range of needs. My approach is Client-Centered and I include aspects of Cognitive Behavioral as well as Solution-Focused therapies into my work. When working with children, I incorporate play therapy, include sandplay, into my sessions in order to engage clients and create a comfortable environment for therapy.
Marie Caterini Choppin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C, LICSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
We use supportive listening, emotionally-focused therapy (EFT), interpersonal therapy, play/art therapy, Internal Family Systems, Cognitive Processing Therapy for trauma, CBT-I for insomnia, insight-oriented and emotion-regulation techniques; relaxation and mindfulness techniques.
Finding the right place for healing and transformation is the first step on your journey towards overall mental health and wellbeing. At Lotus Point Wellness, we work with all people throughout the lifespan and we take an approach that is holistic, collaborative, integrative and empowering. We believe in working towards anti-racism, anti-oppression, diversity, equity and inclusion. Through liberation focused therapeutic approaches, we work alongside you on your journey towards healing. We affirm, honor and respect all people in their own cultural/racial identity, gender identity, sexual orientation and/or neuro-diversity.
We use supportive listening, emotionally-focused therapy (EFT), interpersonal therapy, play/art therapy, Internal Family Systems, Cognitive Processing Therapy for trauma, CBT-I for insomnia, insight-oriented and emotion-regulation techniques; relaxation and mindfulness techniques.
Finding the right place for healing and transformation is the first step on your journey towards overall mental health and wellbeing. At Lotus Point Wellness, we work with all people throughout the lifespan and we take an approach that is holistic, collaborative, integrative and empowering. We believe in working towards anti-racism, anti-oppression, diversity, equity and inclusion. Through liberation focused therapeutic approaches, we work alongside you on your journey towards healing. We affirm, honor and respect all people in their own cultural/racial identity, gender identity, sexual orientation and/or neuro-diversity.
Jeannette Jefferson
MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wilmington, DE 19802 (Online Only)
I am enthusiastic about working with young adults, teens, children and I believe there is no such thing as an ideal client since we're not living in the most ideal world. I believe in being that supportive and directive person in a client's life who is taking the journey with them. I work with a wide range of issues and address these through evidence based practices and skills within Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, sand tray, and positive psychology. In regards to children, I focus my skills on therapeutic play and art to aid in processing and emotion regulation.
I am enthusiastic about working with young adults, teens, children and I believe there is no such thing as an ideal client since we're not living in the most ideal world. I believe in being that supportive and directive person in a client's life who is taking the journey with them. I work with a wide range of issues and address these through evidence based practices and skills within Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, sand tray, and positive psychology. In regards to children, I focus my skills on therapeutic play and art to aid in processing and emotion regulation.
Center for Counseling Families
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC
Verified Verified
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Additional types of therapy used include play therapy, art therapy, and psychodynamics.
Does this sound like you? “Argggg I can’t take it anymore!” Most of us experience feelings of stress and uncertainty, and could use a sympathetic ear. The chaos of family life, work life, and social life can pose a strain on our mental well-being. No matter what you are going through, you have a friend here at the Center for Counseling Families. We specialize in helping children, teens, and adults of all ages cope with life’s ups and downs. Our therapist are here to support you during life's challenges. Our goal is to help you cultivate a positive overall sense of well-being.
Additional types of therapy used include play therapy, art therapy, and psychodynamics.
Does this sound like you? “Argggg I can’t take it anymore!” Most of us experience feelings of stress and uncertainty, and could use a sympathetic ear. The chaos of family life, work life, and social life can pose a strain on our mental well-being. No matter what you are going through, you have a friend here at the Center for Counseling Families. We specialize in helping children, teens, and adults of all ages cope with life’s ups and downs. Our therapist are here to support you during life's challenges. Our goal is to help you cultivate a positive overall sense of well-being.
See more therapy options for Delaware
Play Therapy
Who is play therapy for?
Play therapy is generally targeted to children between the ages of 3 and 11 who have social, emotional, or behavioral difficulties. Play therapy has also been found helpful for children who have experienced physical or emotional abuse or witnessed atrocities. Play therapy is also often recommended for children who are undergoing major medical procedures or who are suffering from chronic illness; many children’s hospitals are equipped to offer play therapy on-site. Play therapy is also sometimes used for adults; creative writing, music, and art are expressive forms that can all be adapted for therapeutic purposes.
Why do people need play therapy?
Children often do not have the language skills or words to know or to express what is troubling them. Yet they often spontaneously draw or use playthings to depict scenarios that reflect problems in their everyday life. Play therapy provides children with an array of objects and play situations to act out their feelings or experiences so that therapists can get a clear picture of what children might be struggling with and help them find solutions. In addition, play therapists are skilled at helping children understand their inner experience and find words for them, necessary steps toward helping children learn to control their own behavior and come up with solutions to problems they encounter.
What happens in play therapy?
A child enters a comfortable playroom where they are free to choose the objects they want to play with. The play therapist will typically observe how they play with the toys—whether a sandbox, puppets, dolls and action figures, trucks, costumes, drawing and painting materials, or more—because such play provides clues to a child’s family and social relationships, difficulties they are encountering in the world, and what going on inside themselves. Sometimes the therapist may ask the child to use the play objects to tell a story about their family. Using the same instruments of play, therapists can help children discover more advantageous ways of thinking and behaving.
What kinds of problems do play therapists treat?
Play therapy can help children who display destructive or self-destructive impulses; children who seem angry, sad, or fearful; children who experience frequent social, emotional, family, or school difficulty. Play therapy is often of value to children who have experienced a loss or distressing family experience, who are regularly exposed to family conflict, or who have been physically or emotionally abused. Play therapy can help children who are perpetrators of bullying as well as those who are targets of bullying. It helps children learn to identify their feelings, to express them in constructive ways, and to regulate them so they can get on with the business of development.
How long does play therapy last?
Play therapy sessions may last for 30 to 45 minutes, and they usually occur weekly for about 20 sessions. Each session is tailored to the individual child and the kinds of problems they are struggling with. Play that is highly repetitive often indicates a problem requiring further exploration. Therapists typically measure progress through session-to-session changes in play behavior.